davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

As she steppeo .nto the inil library whore her
son was sitting. she threw herself at his feet.
looked up pitifully into his face, and talked
repidly with him in German, until she became
presence completely broken down and scarcely
able to walk Her daughter Gretchen awaited
her ON the outside OF the building To take her
away. Miss Spies did not visit her brother.
Mrs, Fischer came in 10 king stolid and Iniif-
ferent She hardly seemed 10 realize at frst
thai shs was visiting her husband for the last
time. but after talking with him a few moments
tho tears began !ather in her eyes, and she
cung To her 20 husband in despair. As she
was about to 20 fischer pulle n short letter
from h pocket and handed IL to his wife. IL
was written in German, and he told her to have
Jailer Folz read IL TO her. She went TO Mr..
Folz and asked him to tell her what was in It.
At the iailer's accommodation she took tho
letter To her husband and had him translate it
To her slowly. which he did The letter was an
affectionate farewell To his wife which he had
written during the day. Fischer caressed his
seemed completely unnerved ut the enforced
parting.
NINA VAN zASpr's FIRST KISS.
When Nina Van Zandt came into tho jail ut
6 .0j. Spies was sitting with both hands on his
head-a man bereft of all hope. For tho first
time I'm her life Nina embraced and kissed HIM
with all tho affection she could summon. Spies
remained seated and Nina sat herself down In
his lap. She then threw both arms about him
and talked with him in low but impassioned
tones.
Occasionally she would stroke his forehe ad
or run her shapey fingers through his hair, but
she did not give way TO her emotion. She re-
and kissel him perhaps dozen times as she
was about to leave
Mrs Engel did not care to bid her husband
farewell, nor did Mrs. Parsons.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

cord was placed. One of the attendant bsilifs
seized the moose in front OF Spies and passed IL
deftly over the doomed mans head IL caught
over his right ear, but Spies, with a shake of
his head, cast it down around his neck, and then
the bailif frightened il till IL touched the warm
resh, and carefully placed the moose beneath
the left ear.
When the officer approached Fischer threw
back his head and barred his long, muscular
throat by the movement.
Fischer's neck was very long and the moose
nestled snuglv around il. When it was
frightened around his windpipe Fischer
turned around TO Spies and laughing
But the latter either did not hear him or
else was too much occupied with other thoughts
to pay attention. Engel smiled down at the
crowd, and then turning to Deputy Peters, Who
gucrded him, no smiled gratefully toward him
and whispered something 10 the ofncer that
seemed to affect him. Parsons face never
moved as the moose dropped over his head, but
the same terrible, hxed look was on his face.
And now people were expecting that the
sneeobes for which the four doomed ones crayed
twenty minutes each would be delivered, but
to every ones surprise the officer who had
adjusted the moose proceeded TO it on
the white cap without delay. It was
first placed on Spies head, completely
hiding his head and face. Just before the
cap was pulled over Fischers head Deputy
Spears turned his eyes mp 70 meet those Of the
tall Young anarchist. Fischer smiled down
on his guard just as pleasantly rs Engel did
on his. and he seemed to be whispering
some words Of forgiveness Engel and Par
sons soon donned their white caps after this
and now the four men stood upon the scaffold
clad from top to toe i'm pure white.
All was ready now for the signal to lot the
drop fall In the little box at the back OF the
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
Of curious people were being kept moving up
and down Clark street and Dearborn avenue.
THE FATAL DROP.
"Hurrah for Anarchy" Shouts Engel-
Parsons Clicked or in the Middle of a
SA,fanca-

"Hurrah for Anarchy" Shouts Engel-
Parsons Choked or in the Middle of n
Sentence.
Parsons was given n cup of coffee few min
utes before the march to the scaffold was
begun.
Ii was exactly IL 80 o'clock when Chief Bailif
Cahill entered the corridor and stood beneath
the gallows. He requested in solemn tones
tn at the g. ntlemen present would remove their
hats. Instantly every head was barred. Then
the tramp, tramp OF many footsteps wore hoard
resounding from the central corridor and the
crowd in front OF the gallows knew that thu
condemned men had begun the march OF death
The slow, steady marcn sounded nearer and
nearer The anarchists were within a few
feet of tho scaffold. There was n pause The
oniemned men were about to mount tho stair
way leading to the last platform frem which
ly they mounted the stairway and again
there waa another slight pause Every eye was
bent upon uhs metallic angle around which the
four wretched victims were expected to make
their appearance. moment later the curiosity
was rewarded. With steady. unfaltering step,
white-robed figure stepped out from behind
the protecting met,llic screen and stood upon
the drop twas August Spies. IL was evident
underneath his snowy shroud
He walked with firm, almost stately, tread
across the pla form and took his stand under
the left hand moose ut tho corner Of the scaffold
farthest rom the side at which he had entered
Very pale was tie expressive face. and a
solemn. far-sway light shone in his blue eyes.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
PARSONS AND FISCHER.
Both Refuse Spiritual Comfort-Parsons
InsnIts the Visiting Ministers.

Fischers last night was quietly spent He
talked but little. bat was restless. His death
watch said though he did not sleep
much, he appeared to take the terri
bic ordeal put upon him with great
composuro-aimost indifference Ho, too,
colby repulsed Dr. Bottoms pronered spiritua
hid. Though his sleepless eyes stared vacantly
at tho wall OF his cell, no tai >ed but little. No
sign OF nervousness or fear could he traced on
the hard. olear-cut features. He WAS evident v
prepared to meet his fate unhinchingly and to
die boldly.
When r. Bolton called upon Parsons he was
received with the same courtesy whch has al
ways distinguished tn 1t erudito anal chist. The
condemned man. however. did no. seem to take
kindly to the proEered mi Illustrations of tho
clergyman
You are Welcome, DR.. Bolton" no said ;
pray. what can do for you?"
The reverend visitor explained his mission.
and the old cynical expression stole Par
sons face. "Preuchers are all Pharisees,- he
answered. and YOU know what Jesus Christ 8
opinion Of the Pharisees was He called them
a generation of vipers ami likened Thorn to
whited sepulchers don't desire to have any
thing to do with either
DIR. Bolton demonstrated q little, and finally
Parsons appeared to DO relenting somewhat.
Well. well, he said, Il will say that while
do not absolutely refuse your kind attentions,
will impress on you the fact that did not want
you"
desultory conversation ensued, and the
minister, on leaving, told Parsons that he
would pray earnestly for him during the night
The anarchists hard gray eye grew moist,
and no murmured, hoarsely' Thank you,
but added: Don't forget, though, didn't send
for YOU"
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

stage and fastened to the wall the invisib4s ex-
ecutioner stood. with AK poised. ready to cut the
cord that held them between earth and heaven
The men had not noticed this. but they knew
For an instant there was dead silence, and
then n mournful. solemn voice sounded from
behind the hrst righthand mask. and cut the
air like a wall OF sorrow and of warning. Spies
was speaking from behind his shroud. The
words seemed TO drop into the cold. silent afr
like pellets OF hre; Here Is what he said
whero my silence is more terrible than my ut
terances."
Then a deeper. stronger voice came out with
a muiied, mysterious cadence from behind the
white pail that hid the face OF Fischer. He
only spoke eight words: This 10 the happiest
mement of my life
IL a different one. 1t was firm. but the melan-
cholv wall was not in IL. IL was harsh. loud
exultant Engel was cheering for anarchy
words ana the last cheer Of George Engel.
But now the weird and CHASTITY scene was
brought to climar; Par s ms, alone remained ,
sounded more sad. and there was q more
dreary, reproachful tone In IL than even in
Spies. May be sllcw,d to speak on. hen
OF Americsl" no cried, may be allowed the
privilege OF speech even at the last moment?
Harken TO the voice OF the people
There was sudden pause. Parsons never
spoke word more. sharp, breaking noise. a
crash. n siekening, cracking sound, and Spies,
Parsons, Fischer, and Engel were no more.
When the pulse Donts OF al became iInper-
ceptible. which about IL 10 clock. the
phys fc ans sat down and the bodies swung bnck
and forth, while the deputies stood above them.
i here was continual shifting OF seats after
the physicians left the b. dies, and nearly all
who could get away want sd to be allowed TO do
SO Tho Sheriff opened door at the west side
of the building and great many OF the specta-
tors left.
Atl 2:10 Spies body was lot down and placed
I'm "a coffin, while tho doctor examined him and
found that his neck was not broken. He wore
O dark gray flannel shirt and dark pant Aloons
but ne coat. His arms wero confined by u strap.
as were those OF all the others.
Fischer was next cut down. His neck was
not broken He were u blue hannol shirt and
gray trousers.
Engel came next He had blue flannel
shirt and woro "A collar His neck was broken,
but the spinal cord was not severed.
Parsons was the las. To be taken down. He
was clad in a neat back suit, but had only an
undershirt on.
When oil the bodies had been arranged in the
collins the ply sicians made another examine
ton and then the lids were placed on the cQf-
fms and the work was done.
The condemned men directed that their bod
be turned over to their wives except Spies, VIZ
wanted his body given TO his mother. Theif
wishes were respected, and Coroner Hertz
directed that the body OF Lin g be given TO Mrs.
Engel and the Carpenters Union, in accordance
with Lingg 8 request. SO that they might all be
buried together.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
THEIR APPETITEs ALL RIGHT.
A Hearty supper Eaten with Relish and a
Good Breakfast Ordered.

A Hearty supper Eaten with Relish and a
Good Breakfast Ordered.
At7:3) Thursday night Sheriff Matson went
in person to the four condemned men and asked
them what they wanted to eht. Spies and
Fischer were in the library, Engel sat chatting
pleasantly with two bailiffs in Jaiier FOLKS prl-
vate ice, while Parsons reposed in his cell,
dscoursing reehly through the open door 10
the death watch. who leaned against the sash
and smoked u cigar
The prisoners all profassed, with an air OF
forced cheerfulness 10 be hungry. Spies asked
for mutton chops, fried eggs, and coffee, aud
Fischer wanted tn. same, saying that for meat
he preferred beefstelk. Engel and Parsons
both hit upon cream t1fst and coffee The
orders were served with creditable prompt.tude
from neghbor ng restaurant. Spies and
Fischer sat side by side upon pile OF
mattresses in the library utilizing two chairs
for tables. and a'o fairly we'll us they laughed
and tested with the bailins. Engel ate but lit
tie OF his supper, and continually stroked his
chin and throat, while no cracked grim Germ TN
jokes with his two watchers. Parsons went
through his meal h artily and said nothing
until finishing his repast, he bru shed the
dishes aside, struck q match on his flank, and
leaned back to smoke and resume gossip with
the solitary guardsman
When the restauratsur won't around to clear
away the remnants and the crockery service he
took the four mems orders for the morrow 8
brc akfast, which was TO be their last meal on
earth. Spies and Fischer united on beefsteak.
eggs and coffee. Parsons more daintily liked
preference on fried oysters and milk toast.
while Engel sturdily demanded steak and
coffee, with the evident view Of faring better at
breakfast than he did at supper
Lingg's last meal consisted OF potato salad,
chicken salad, and coffee. This he ate on
Wednesday night When the restaurateur re-
quested his order for the morning he replied
You needn't bring me anything. shant eat,
thus evidencing that he even then contem-
plated his self-destruction before another meal
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

almost rs the shroud which it surmounted.
Spies had scarcely taken his place when ne
was followed by Fischer He, too was clad in a
long white shroud that was gathered in at the
ankles. His tall figure lowered several inches
over that of Spies, and as he stationed himself
behind his particular moose his face was very
pale. but faint smile rested upon his lips
Like Spies. the " hite robe set OFF to advantage
the rather pleasing features OF Fischer, and as
the man stood there waiting for his last moment
his pale face calm As il he were asleep.
Next came George Engel. There raddy
glow upon the rugged countenance of the old
anarchist. and when he ranged himself along
side Fischer he raised himself to his full height
while his burly form seemed TO expand with the
feelings that were within him.
Last came Parsons. His face looked actually
handsome, though IL was very pale. When he
stepped upon the gallows he turned partially
sideways to the dangling moose and regarded
it with fixed, stony gaze-one OF min
ged surprise and curiosity. Then he
Strengthened himself under the fourth moose
and, as he did so, he turned his big
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
FRIDAY MORNING.

Bravado of Spies and Parsons-The Last
Breakfast-Other Incidents of the Morn
ing.
At 6 o'clock Spies guards came off duty for
moment or two One of them. Deputy Sheriff
Hartke, said Spies had slept well ever since 2
o'clock, but that before that time he was awake,
though he pretended to be asleep Any little
noise disturbed him. but the guards were warm
in praise OF his nerve. When Spies turned in
he was smoking cigar. He had his boots on
and did not undroBs. Turning to the guards,
while slowly putting at his cigar, Spies said:
Boys. Ill be Just as steady tomorrow when
this little matter comes of as / am now
The police were out early. At 6 o'clock
promptly 400 OF them we're in line in front Of
the Criminal Court building and ranging along
on the sidewalk Of the jail on Illinois stress
the court yard of the Jail. more were
assigned to DOS tions in the allev. and others
nue. alongside the jail and Criminal Court Y
building. At the same time ropes stretched
alo lark street from both sides of Michigan
and Illinois street and along Dearborn avenue
Likewise On Illinois aud Michigan streets. On
all these thorouehfares traffic was stopped On
none except Clark street was traffic permitted
till after the execut on.
As the morning wore slowly along the hustle
in the Jail increased. 'khe deputies and re-
porters who were on duty all night were re-
Heved. and new mon took their places.
Seven o'clock came and the twilight Of dawn
had frightened into the full beam OF day. At
that hour the anarchists were already astir.
bolt upright. He began to talk socialism TO his
guard, but his haggard face revealed the strug-
gle that was going on inside.
Att % two walters from Martells restaurant
brought to tho prisoners their breakfast The
edibles were carried in large, new clothes
basket, and the linen and tableware looked
bright and clean. A little incident occurred
when Parsons stepped out to wash himself,
which was described by Lieutenant Laughlin.
All the other anarchists confronted themselves
with washing at the tap, but when Parsons
walked up to the bDsin he exclairp cd Il no
wash-basin here. am accustomed TO washing
in a basin, and want one now"
His manner WAS extremely defiant, but
though he reiterated his request for the basin
in gruf tones no Ia not get the desired uten-
sill. He, by far. exhibited the most bravado Of
any OF the anarchists.
Sheriff Matson reachod the Jail at 7 rs o'clock.
he looked haggard and depressed and said but
little 10 the re perters. After glance through
the interior Of the jail no came ont and won't TO
his private Office. He had ut that time receiv-
ed no news from the Governor. or any other
source.
The Rev. Dr. Bolton arrived at as, and, after
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

gray eyes upon the crowd below with such a
look Of awful reproach and sadness could
not fail to strike the innermost chord OF the
hardest heart there. 1t was a look never
to be forgotten. There was an
expression almost Of inspiration on the
white, calm face, and the great, stony
eyes seemed TO burn into mems hearts and ask
What have done?"
There they stood upon the scafold, four
white-robed figures with set, stoical faces, to
which IL would seem no influence could bring "a
tremor Of fear.
And now a bailif approaches, and, seizing
Spies robe, passed leathern strap around his
ankles In moment they were closely PIN
toned together. Engels legs were next
strapped together, and when the official ap-
preached Fischer the latter Strengthened ur
his tall figure 20 les full height and placed
his ankles close together TO facilitate the
operation. Parsons was the last, but he
was the first around whose neck the fata
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

depositing his sarehel on chair aud hanging up
his ercoat in the jail Office, passed into the
cell-room. Passing first into Parsons cell, he
attempted TO engage the doomed Texan In re-
ligious conversation. Parsons had not yet I'm
ished breakfast What passed between them is
unknown. In the meantime Spies had called for
paper and envelopes and when they were fur
nished him, he began writing He was inter
rupted by tho Sheriff. who accosted him, and
stood In front OF the cell door while they talked.
The Sheriff took notes of the conversation and
then passed on. After stav of eighteen min
utes In Parsons cell. DIR. bolton emerged and
dividual. who glanced at the clergyman and
continued his writing. DR. Bolton remained
standing In front Of Spies two three min
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
see that nothing was handed to schwab by his

q" see that nothing was handed to Schwab by his
wife.
sOHwAB BREAKS DOWN
After twenty minutes of afectionato fare
we'll, Mrs Schwas arose &c GO from her hus-
bands presence and then only did the hus-
band break down. He arose as she did, and
suddenly throwing both arms around her n eek
q kissed her again and again. The scene was
touching In the extreme, and the crowd Of of
ficers and reporters wore alike affected Tear
ting herself away with n mighty struggle, the
heart-broken woman turned to leave the Jail
as she supposed. for the last time, no word
having been received at that time of the Gov
errors mercy to Schwab.
NO TEARS IN ENGEb's EYES.
Engel's oldest daughter was the next 20 mr.
rive. and was shown into Mr.. Folz's private Of
hce where her father was sitting on the lounge
As soon "a sho saw him she threw both arm !
about his neck. and kissed him affecti0uatsly.
Engel was very little moved by the grief Of his
daughter, although his eyes showed signs of
tears once or twice After remaining with him
for about fifteen minutes his daughter left him
60 his fate As she reached the jail door she was
completely unneryod, and was crying bitterly,
with head downcast.
MRS SPIES Is BRONEN- HEARTED.
The visit OF Spies aged mother little before
g o'clock WINS one of the m st pathetic scenes
ever witnessed in the county Jail Mrs. Spies
was dressed in black and deep lines OF care and
suffering were plainly noticeable on Ler face.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
HANGED
Spies, Parsons, Engel,
and Fischer Perish
by the Rope.
All Decline the MiniStratiOnS Of a
Clergyman, Saying They Were
Prepared for Ceath.
The Men March Quietly to Their
Doom and Meet 1t
StOieally.
The Usual Formalities at the
Gallows Not Observed
by Sheriff Matson.
Death Warrants Read to the Vic
tins Before Their Removal
to the Fatal Trap.
Various Ways in Which, the Four
Anarchists Passed Their Last
Night on Earth.
Closing Scenes i'm the Great Tragedy
A History or the Hay
market Riot.
Death Warrants Read to the Vic.
Tins Before Their Removal
to the Fatal Trap.
Various Ways in WhicA the Four
Anarchists Passed Their Last
Night on Earth.
Closing Scenes i'm the Great Tragedy
A History OF the Hay
market Riot.

The four anarchists, August Spies, AL
bert r. Parsons, George Engel, and Adolph
Fischer, were hanged at the county Jail in
Chicago on Friday morning, Nov. IL. The
execution occurred at 1859 o'clock. There
was an absence of many of the usual for
malities on the scaffold, the Sheriff reading
the death warrant to the men in the Ii
brary before leading them to the gallows,
where they persisted miserably for their
participation in the haymarket tragedy.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

His tawny hair was brushed back in the usual
crisp waves from the big white forehead.
choly. and at the same time denihed.
than the expression which sat upon the face OF
August Spies at that moment. The chin was
covered with a freshly budding beard that
partially concealed the expression OF the
hrmly cut mouth. The lines were n little
hardly drawn around the corners. however,
and bespoke great internal tension. He
stood directly behind the still moose, which
reached down almost to his breast, and, having
first cast mOmentary glance upward at the
rope, let his eyes tall upon the 200 faces that
were upturned toward him. Never IA muscle
did he move. however; no sign OF fiinching or
fear could be discerned In the white face-white
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
SPIES AND DIR. BOLTON.
The Exhibitor of tho ''Arbeiter Zeitung''
Refuses the Minister'S Sympathy.

Not long after the death watch had been set
tho Rev. DR.. Bolton, pastor OF the First Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, called upon the prison
ers. The reverend gentleman visited the
whole four unfortunates, and his reception was
almost the same in every case.
Spies received him quietly and with a smile.
Il have called on you, Mr.. Spies" said the
clergyman, Ito help Won TO prepare for the
awiu N which is now but few short hours
away"
Spies smiled again, but shook his head slow
". There is no use praying for me, he said,
in n melancholy tone; Il need them not you
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16

bed. ana with hio white race upturned talked
continuously with Deputy Hartke about mu-
tual acquaintances and things and events OF
days gone by. He never referred to the NOR
row. and seemed DESTROYS of keeping the
thoughts OF his approaching execution as far as
possible from his mind.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-16
ENGEL..
Protests His Innocence and Doesn't Want
Religious Sympathy


Fngel grew n little more serious as the night
wore on. and when he came TO be more familia ar
with the death watch. he talked with them
about tho cause for which he was about TO die.
He protested his innocence over ana over again,
and told the story OF the Haymarket riot, and
all he knew of Il.
The Rev. Mr.. Bolton called on Rngel as he
did on the others, but with the same unsatis-
factory result. The wretchod Engel welt with
bitter emphasis upon the fact that IL was the
informer Waller, who afterward swore his life
away. that first informed him OF the massacre.
Twas drinking beer and playing cards with
my neighbors when Waller called aud taunt I'd
me with not being down in the Hayinarkot
away, but die for just cause" Engel slept
none until o'clock. but mt that hour. just as
round in his couch and dropped into light
slumber